Cape Verdeans head to polls in presidential election

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A car drives past campaign banners for presidential candidates Joana Rosa and Jose Maria Neves in Praia, Cape Verde, November 12, 2026. /VCG

Registered voters in Cape Verde head to the polls on Sunday to elect a president, with six candidates contesting the race.

Incumbent President Jose Maria Neves, backed by the African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV), is seeking a second term. His challengers include Joana Rosa, the archipelago's first female presidential candidate, who is supported by the Movement for Democracy (MpD).

The other candidates are Antero Tavares, Casimiro de Pina, Gilson Alves and Loisito Sousa.

Voting began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), with polls scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. (1900 GMT). Official provisional results are expected within two to three days.

To secure victory in the first round, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of the valid votes cast. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the two leading contenders will advance to a runoff scheduled for November 29.

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